Description

The Madagascar Lemur Research & Conservation programme offers volunteers the opportunity to get involved in various aspects of on-going conservation work in southeast Madagascar, working with a multi award-winning charity.

The unique coastal littoral forests in this area are home to numerous endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna, and, as such, the remaining forest fragments are a high conservation priority. This project seeks to mitigate the problem of deforestation, and aims to sustainably protect these fragile forest fragments. The programme integrates research on endangered flora and fauna with community initiatives such as reforestation and environmental education

Volunteers can choose from five core modules which cover the different aspects of this conservation work. These 2-week modules in Lemur Study, Biodiversity Research and Monitoring, Reforestation Work, Environmental Education and Construction can be taken individually, or combined, so individual programmes can be between 2 to 10 weeks long. Whilst you are welcome to stay for just one module, the program has been planned so that volunteers may combine modules to stay longer and get a real overview of the integrated way this project approaches the conservation of biodiversity, or gain in-depth insight into one aspect of the work by taking one module for up to 10 weeks. The program provides a unique opportunity to tailor your experience to your interests and needs choosing from the following core modules:
"Lemur Study investigate the impact of forest fragmentation on lemur populations including the collared brown lemur, the wolly lemur and the brown mouse lemur. Research methods will include presence-absence surveys, examination of the collared brown lemur resource use, botanical composition of the forest and assessment of human impact and disturbance.
"Biodiversity Research & Monitoring research activities in the littoral forest fragments studying the flora and fauna, focusing on two palm species and a gecko species, Phelsuma antanosy all three of which are categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Volunteers on this module will conduct research to examine the abundance of these species and the threats they may face.
* Reforestation Work volunteers will work on the project to help protect native forests and improve the livelihoods of local communities by providing sustainable sources of timber and firewood. By planting trees and propagating seedlings in the tree nurseries, volunteers will be assisting the project in reaching its target of reforesting 80 hectares of land, as well as working with the communities to construct fuel-efficient stoves and promote the use of Moringa oleifera a plant termed the 'miracle tree' due to its exceptional nutritional value.
* Environmental Education contribute to the provision of long-term environmental education for the schools in the St Luce region with volunteers preparing and presenting environmental education lessons assisted by local staff and translators.
* Construction - building rural schools in isolated and beautiful Malagasy villages. This is the scheme for people looking for a fitness-building outdoors experience that really makes a difference to the lives of those less fortunate.

You will join a group of like-minded volunteers, working alongside community members, camping in a stunning rural environment, engaging in hands-on construction of a 6 meter by 12 meter two-room, stone floored, tin roofed, wooden school house, equipped with tables and chairs, blackboard, shelving and water and sanitation infrastructure.
On this programme you will be based in the superbly beautiful and exotic coastal region of Sainte Luce in southeast Madagascar, which is surrounded by extremely rare and threatened fragments of pristine, littoral rainforest. Littoral forest (coastal forest) is one of Madagascar's most endangered habitats. Of the original littoral forest cover, only 10% remains today in small forest parcels.

This programme offers a fantastic opportunity for those wishing to gain field skills and experience in conservation projects on-the-ground in a developing country, working alongside International and Malagasy specialists with a multi award-winning charity. It can also be taken as an internship.

Highlights

Experience Madagascar by living and working inthe beautiful and endangered forests.

Qualifications

Minimum age 18 years old, maximum age decided depending on participant's health.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Available on enquiry per week.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

- A dedicated volunteer coordinator based in London to help you prepare for your tripAirport transfer from Fort Dauphin to the project site
- Orientation program about Madagascar and the work of the charity and all in-country project training
- Any daily transport that might be required as part of the project during your stay
- Use of campsite facilities and 3 meals a day and plenty of safe drinking water at project base
- A dedicated team of Malagasy staff to guide you in Madagascar as well as an international coordinator, who is themselves, an ex-volunteer.
- A visit to Nahampoana Reserve for an up close experience with several species of Lemur

Experience Required

yes

None, But need the following skills: Flexibility, adaptability Scientific research / data capturing and recording skills Environmental monitoring / data capturing and recording skills Tutoring / capacity building skills " Practical hands-on ability / construction

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Someone with a keen interest in conservation and community development.

Age Range

18 plus

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

5 working days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

VOLUNTOURS's Mission Statement

We are a multi-award winner in the Imvelo Awards for Responsible Tourism for Southern Africa in 2007 and 2008 (Johannesburg). As well as winners in the prestigious Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Award 2008 (London). We are a volunteer placement organisation and tour-broker operating within South Africa placing volunteers in South Africa. We intimately manage your volunteer experience from home. We will match your unique skills and interests with carefully selected volunteer projects, and also help organise the rest of your trip. A variety of long and short-term placements are available. Volunteers are housed either within the community or nearby. A project donation is included in the costing to ensure sustainability and transparency.

Year Founded

2005